Very interesting, BP! I've always felt that domestic animals adapt some to the circumstances they live in, this may be that case. UK cats may just be more predisposed to wanting to be outdoors because that's OK there and the norm.

I've found it different here, I've known many cats that absolutely refuse to go outside. Of the 4 resident cats at my current clinic and all the clinic cats I've known, only one ever wanted to go outside... the others seem to enjoy their contained universe as if there's nothing else outside those doors (apparently we cease to exist when we leave for the day, lol), they get their hunting fun from all the poor, unsuspecting lizards that find a way in.

In my experience with pet cats in general (we keep track of which cats are indoors or outdoors in their chart), I would say that about 30% have no problems being completely indoors, another 30% may occasionally try to get out if the opportunity presents itself but otherwise seem happy in their homes, and the other 40% crave being outdoors at least part of the time.

One way that more and more people are dealing with this is supervised outdoor time, either free time in a fenced backyard with the owner present or actually walking on a leash. A few cats are truly mighty hunters who are driven to be out in the world, they usually don't last long but if that's the only way they can be happy, so be itimage!

Carole
Equine Art

"We struck down evil with the mighty sword of teamwork and the hammer of not bickering." The Shoveller, Mystery Men.